Before you Apply for ScholarshipsScholarships are a valuable part of college financing. This scholarship directory is designed to help students research and apply for scholarships offered by the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and by various local, state and national scholarship sponsors.

The information in this directory is subject to change without advance notice. Private scholarship donors usually develop their own applications and stipulate eligibility requirements, award criteria and deadline dates. We recommend checking with individual sponsors for the most current information about their scholarships. When applying for scholarships offered by a particular UWM department, obtain applications and additional information directly from the contact listed for that department.

Locating ScholarshipsLocating scholarships can now be done quickly and conveniently via the Internet. Although there are some deceitful companies that promise free scholarship money in exchange for an up front fee, there are many services that are offered free of charge. One of these at the end of this section is FastWEB, a scholarship search database with over 500,000 daily listings representing billions of dollars in educational funding. Using FastWEB, students can create a private mailbox and regularly retrieve personalized information on scholarship opportunities.

The Department of Financial Aid and Student Employment Services provides an information area designed to help students in their scholarship search. Scholarship information is posted outside Mellencamp Hall Room 162. Check with our office for available applications or for information to contact donors. Also, a variety of scholarship reference materials are located in the Reference Room of UWM's Golda Meir Library.

Students are also encouraged to investigate the following sources for possible scholarship opportunities:

Alumni Associations

Civic and Government Organizations

Ethnic organizations

Fraternities, sororities or related organizations

High school counselor

Internet

Local church or synagogue

Parent's or student's employer

Tips for Applying for ScholarshipsMost scholarships are awarded solely on the application submitted, without the opportunity of a personal interview. It is imperative to present a professional, positive and precise application, and to apply only if you are eligible. The following suggestions are offered to assist you with the application process:Format:A typed application is recommended. If you must print, do so neatly and legibly.Recommendation Letters: Recommendation letters are an important part of your application. Select someone who knows you well enough to write a complimentary letter that describes your goals, interests, academic achievements and/or employment. Consider the specifics of the scholarship when selecting a reference. Choose an individual who can address the scholarship's unique criteria or is acquainted with the sponsoring organization's interests.

Personal Statements: When asked to write a personal statement, provide a thorough and well-thought-out response. Since personal interviews are usually not granted, your statement is an excellent opportunity to present yourself as a worthy recipient to a scholarship committee. Present a well-rounded sense of your personality. Highlight any special attributes, accomplishments or experiences that distinguish you from others.Financial Need: Be specific when asked to complete a statement of financial need. Explain how the scholarship will assist you with your educational expenses. Include any unusual personal or family circumstances or anticipated expenses.

Questions: It is important to understand all scholarship requirements and to complete the application correctly. Contact the scholarship sponsor if you need clarification.Deadlines: Submit your application prior to the published deadline date. It is best not to rely on postmark dates or expect extensions to be granted. Your references must also meet the scholarship deadline so be sure to provide them with instructions on how their letters should be handled.Selection: The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual preference, handicap or age in any of its educational or employment policies, procedures or practices.

Free Scholarship ResourcesThese Web sites provide scholarship searches and applications. We do not endorse any scholarship applications or processes that require fees.

Peterson's COLLEGEQUESTPeterson's Award Search makes it quick and easy to find the right scholarships for you. The database presents 800,000 awards from about 2,000 sources in 69 academic subject areas, with the same complete descriptions found in Peterson's Scholarships, Grants and Prizes book. Peterson's is the most trusted name in education and careers publishing. Their dedication to providing the best possible information guided the design of their scholarship database.Sallie Mae/CASHE
Sallie Mae's Online Scholarship Service offers free access to the College Aid Sources for Higher Education (CASHE) database. The database lists private sector awards from more than 3,600 sponsors.College Board's FUND FINDER
The College Board's FUND FINDER scholarship database, also known as ExPAN Scholarship Search, lists scholarships and other types of financial aid programs from 3,300 national, state, public and private sources. The database is updated annually.

CollegeNET MACH25
CollegeNET MACH25 is a free web version of the Wintergreen/Orchard house Scholarship Finder database. The database lists awards from 1,570 sponsors. The database is updated annually.

CollegeBoard
This is a Web site where students can research scholarships.

Scholarship Resource Network ExpressSRN Express is a free web version of the Scholarship Resource Network (SRN) database. The SRN database focuses on private-sector, non-need-based aid, and includes information about awards from more than 1,500 organizations. The database is updated annually.